Lt Col Reynolds
Presbyopia is the term for the normal aging of the lens in the eye and the muscles that control the shape of the lens. Dr. Patel, can you tell us about presbyopia?

Dr. Patel
Absolutely, Dr. Reynolds. Presbyopia commonly occurs after age 40, when the lens of the eye becomes more rigid and does not flex as easily. The result is difficulty reading or focusing on objects at close range. Presbyopia can also be combined with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

Patients with presbyopia are generally prescribed reading glasses or bifocals. Treatment of presbyopia with the excimer laser is limited and may not eliminate the need for reading glasses. Some presbyopia patients opt for monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision, while the other eye is corrected for distance. Intraocular lenses are another treatment option for patients with presbyopia.